For a long time, toilet design has stayed pretty much the same. From around the time the flush toilet was perfected in the late 1800s up until the new water consumption regulations of the 1990s, a toilet was, more or less, a toilet. But the last 20 years have seen dramatic innovation in terms of toilet functionality, and even more recently – within the last few years – an evolution in utility has resulted in quite a few aesthetic upgrades as well. These days, choosing the right toilet is an important part of your bathroom remodel. Ariel’s extensive collection of European style contemporary toilets is an excellent example, with unique new designs that are easy to clean to boot.

Smooth Exterior

CO1042 Contemporary European Toilet From Ariel

What I see as one of the biggest upgrades in toilet design (besides improved water efficiency and functionality, of course) is the introduction of toilets with smooth bases. Traditionally, the trap (the curvy part on the base of the toilet) is totally exposed. Those exposed S-shapes, as well as the flat surface of the base and exposed bolts that hold the toilet in place are all dust and grime magnets, and can be incredibly difficult to clean. One of my favorite things about contemporary toilets like this CO1042 Toilet is that not only are they much, much easier to clean, but they’re also less likely to get dirty in the first place.

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Single Piece Design

Platinum European Dual Flush Toilet From Ariel

Part two of what makes contemporary toilets cleaner and easier to clean is that many of them, like this Platinum Toilet, are built in a single piece rather than having a separate tank that bolts to the main toilet. This might seem like a small change (and, admittedly, can be a little bit of a pain during installation). But once again having a smooth, continuous surface means fewer cracks and crevices for dirt to hide, making the often unpleasant job of cleaning the toilet just that much easier.

Making It Modern

CO1009 Contemporary European Dual Flush Toilet From Ariel

The result of these two swaps isn’t purely functional, of course. In fact, although they seem like they should be pretty subtle, these little changes create an entirely different toilet look. Some are more traditional than others, but ones like this CO1009 Toilet are totally fresh and unique, with smooth, unbroken lines and simple, elegant curves that make a perfect pair for a modern bathroom. If you’re looking for a more contemporary style for your bathroom, opting for one of Ariel’s European style toilets is a small change that will have a big impact, especially because traditional toilets are so ubiquitous.

Geometric Styles

CO1018 Contemporary European Dual Flush Toilet From Ariel

If you want something even more daring, look for toilets that shirk conventional curvy design entirely. While some companies, like INAX, are more focused on redesigning the inside of the toilet, Ariel has a spectacular selection of unique, ultramodern t0ilets with a more geometric style on the outside. I like this CO1018 Toilet for its strong, angular lines, offering unexpected squares, angles, and triangles instead of the typical rounds and ovals. This is especially good for a highly modern design, where you want to emphasize angles and corners.

Low Flow

Traditional Contemporary Dual Flush From Ariel

All that said, maybe the most important “modern” thing about Ariel’s collection of contemporary European toilets is that they all have a 1.6 gallon per flush water consumption. If your toilet was made before 1997 it probably uses more than twice that amount per flush, and if you bought it somewhere right after ’97, it might use about the same, but it probably doesn’t work quite as well, since flush technology has come a long way since then. There are lower gpf toilets out there (High efficiency toilets, or HETs, have a maximum of 1.3 gpf), but if you’re still using a pre-97 toilet, it’s time to swap to something new, like this more traditional Dual Flush, for the water savings if not for the style.

Dual Flush

CO1024 Contemporary Dual Flush Toilet From Ariel

Even better, almost all the toilets in Ariel’s collection, including this CO1024 Toilet, are dual flush, meaning that rather than your average toilet trip lever, they have a large circular double push button that can trigger a “big flush” at a full 1.6 gallons, and a “little flush” that clocks in at a lean .9 gallons. Switching from a pre-97 toilet that has only a 3.4 gallon flush, even with a small family you’re likely to see a big difference in your water bill. And because the design is better than it was when the regulations were first initiated, you won’t even notice a difference in functionality, despite the substantial water savings.

If you’re looking for a toilet with a contemporary design and smart water saving features, Ariel offers you the style you want at the price you want to pay. Are you more interested in getting a new toilet for water savings, or to add an unexpected style to your next bathroom remodel?